With modifications to the competition regulations and the official schedule, the local tournament will have important changes to face the second half of the year. This Friday, June 19, the general assembly of the Bantrab League was held.
They prepared the calendar and draw of games for the qualifying phase of the Apertura Tournament for the 2026-2027 season. The new members of the National League, San Pedro and Suchitepéquez, who achieved promotion to the highest Guatemalan soccer circuit, already participated in the session.
The Tournament is scheduled to start on the weekend of July 25 and 26, 2026.
These are the six fundamental points that will define the development of the 2026 Apertura Tournament:
1. Official start date
The ball will roll again on the weekend of July 25 and 26, 2026. That date will mark the beginning of the 22 days of the qualifying phase of the National League.
2. New league format: only six classified
The main change approved by the leaders is the reduction of teams qualified for the final phase, which will go from eight to six clubs.
Under the new system, the teams that finish in first and second place will advance directly to the semifinals. The clubs located between third and sixth position will play a preliminary round to define the other two semifinalists.
3. Two promoted teams return
The top category will have two new members from the First Division: San Pedro and Deportivo Suchitepéquez, who obtained promotion for the 2026-2027 season.
4. Coordination with the Concacaf Central American Cup
The start of the tournament at the end of July responds to a plan that seeks to facilitate the participation of Guatemalan clubs in the Concacaf Central American Cup.
Municipal, Xelajú MC, Mixco and Antigua GFC will have to alternate their international commitments with local competition, so the calendar includes adjustments to avoid match saturation.
5. This is how the first day will be played
The National League also confirmed the games for the opening day:
- Suchitepéquez vs. Communications
- Malacateco vs. Cobán Imperial
- Aurora FC vs. Guastatoya
- Saint Peter vs. Xelaju MC
- Municipal vs. Mixco
- Former GFC vs. Marquense
6. Registration calendar
Before the start of the championship, clubs must complete the administrative registration process with the National League. The calendar was established as follows:
- Monday, July 13: Marquense and Aurora FC
- Tuesday, July 14: Mixco and Antigua GFC
- Wednesday, July 15: Municipal and Xelajú MC
- Thursday, July 16: San Pedro and Communications
- Friday, July 17: Guastatoya and Cobán Imperial
- Monday, July 20: Malacateco and Suchitepéquez